Exposed || MJ/Prince

Exposed || Chapter 54

Author's Note: As a disclaimer, this idea is 100% fictional.  With April 21st unfortunately  coming up,  :( I dedicated this chapter to Prince. Rest in peace to one of my favorite musicians of all time.
- Lavender.

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1986 - "The Return" Tour (Kimberly "Keys" Walker)

Patrice

Thousands filled the expansive  stadium as opening chords played from that rounded stage.

I  sang along while behind the scenes in this private room. My nearby television monitor shaded blue in the name of hovering spotlights onscreen.

Kimberly seated behind synthesizer with its hoisted microphone.

Even background vocalists and this remarkable band matched the ivory wardrobe.

Slyly paying homage to good friend Prince, Kimberly slicked back topped curly hair and dressed in this white pantsuit. Booted heels and all. 

Even her hands draped with ivory fingerless  gloves. Her talent moved along the instrument with soul and emotion.

As if she dealt with heartbreak recently. I didn't know what to think, but grooved anyways.

Audience members swayed flamed lighters back and forth and sang along to the meaningful ballad.

I still nodded along and vocally  encouraged Kim while listening. Even though we couldn't view each other through the monitor.

Girl could sang. Probably better than Brenda.

Still, I would've loved to see those two duke it out by throwing down with microphones.

Kim then ad-libbed, scatting all the way to the end. I nearly scrunched up my face in the name of shocked and impressed behavior. My fingers even snapped with every passing moment.

Without hesitation, I applauded  and stood up, smiling. Her loving crowd exploded with cheers before long.

Soon after the ballad faded out, Kimberly leaned over to reach her microphone and scooted off the bench.

I smiled once more. The crowd only increased excited noise by now. Some fans even flailed both arms in the air while whistling happily.

Tonight must've been a dream come true for Kimberly in one way or another.

"Thank you so much. I don't even want to leave yet.  Who's with me?" After walking towards this ivory grand piano now and sitting down on its cushioned bench,  Kim shouted into the microphone onscreen.

I quickly responded and clapped for her again. The noisy crowd rumbled with encouragement once more.

"To close the show, I'd like to dedicate these next few records to someone I've admired for years. You might already recognize some of them, too. One, two, three, and..." Footage zoomed in and revealed Kimberly smiling greatly at the piano. 

I didn't know what to think until opening chords kicked off "I Wanna Be Lover." The audience squealed louder than ever.  Even my jaw dropped at this point.

She wouldn't during the three emotional performances, but played something I'd never heard in the middle. Maybe it was a future record written by Prince  for Kim's next album.

Possibilities seemed endless.

Its romantic feel instantly reminded me of Brenda and Prince. Especially right now, given all the drama. The crowd whistled, still encouraging.

But when her fingers moved up and down the keys one last time, I couldn't even hear myself think, let alone cheer again.

Everyone swayed in unison while she finished the concert with "Purple Rain."

Tears streamed right down my face.

***
"Parade" Tour

Prince

These months seemed to drag on and on as I waited for the baby. Michael and I barely spoke to each other at this point.

I'd heard through the grapevine that he'd release another album next year.  The press now lurked for details with baited breath, of course.

And poor Monty just seemed miserable while cooped up at home in California.

My heart ached to be with my wife instead of performing. Phone calls just wouldn't cut it anymore.

I missed her laugh. I missed her smile. I missed her voice. I just wanted to leave this hotel and never come back. Even though this baby wasn't even mine.

__

1984 - "First Avenue" (Minneapolis, MN)

"Give it up for my best friend.  My baby. The finest woman I've ever seen....Ladies and gentlemen, show your love for Soul Train's favorite dancer, Brenda Michelle!"

I dropped my hand from the microphone as she walked towards me on stage. All black with baddest walk on Earth.

Damn. I'm lucky. I thought to myself.

Monty didn't even hug me yet and pretended to bow. The audience only squealed again as we pointed between each other.

I've never felt so happy and grateful to perform.

When we finally did embrace, my heart tripled in speed due to overwhelming joy.

"You're so beautiful." I whispered and held her face with both hands.

My honestly eager mouth then immediately kissed those sweet lips afterwards. The crowd hollered once again.

"Give it up for Prince!" Monty yelled out loud after pulling away from me. I blushed without hesitation. This audience had cheered for umpteenth time.

I bowed, still grinning.